The Green Party of Canada is proud to announce Pooja Malhotra as our candidate in Scarborough Southwest in expectation of a byelection to replace former MP Bill Blair and Andrew Massey as our candidate for University—Rosedale, expecting a spring by-election to fill the seat left vacant by former MP Chrystia Freeland.

“Canadians need to know that in electing an MP, the successful candidate will work for them, and not be a mouthpiece for their party leader. Pooja and Andrew are exactly the kind of community-rooted, solutions-focused MPs Canadians deserve,” said Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May. “They understand that affordability, dignity, and climate action are inseparable. Greens are ready to fight for people ignored by the big parties; parties so contemptuous of the voters that they push out recently elected MPs, shipping them overseas only to call expensive by-elections.”

Pooja Malhotra – Scarborough Southwest

Pooja Malhotra is a community organizer, former lecturer, and medical copywriter with lived experience of Canada’s immigration system and a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and collective action. Born and raised in India, Pooja immigrated to Canada in 2019, a country she now proudly calls home.

In January 2026,  Leader Elizabeth May appointed Ms. Malhotra as Shadow Cabinet Critic for Immigration and Refugees, recognizing her lived experience of Canada’s immigration system and her deep commitment to human rights and dignity.

“I’m running because people in Scarborough Southwest deserve a representative who shows up, listens, and fights for a fairer future,” said Pooja Malhotra. “We can tackle the affordability crisis, protect people’s dignity, and meet the climate emergency with the seriousness it demands.”

Pooja has been politically active from a young age, marching alongside her mother against corruption and inequality. During the pandemic, she worked on vaccine rollout efforts and supported anti-racism organizing, and since October 2023 she has helped organize local grassroots actions focused on solidarity and community care. Having witnessed the impacts of climate change firsthand, Pooja brings an intersectional perspective to the role, recognizing the deep links between environmental breakdown, displacement, and global inequality.

Andrew Massey – University—Rosedale

Andrew Massey is a long-time renter and downtown Toronto resident who believes politics should be accessible, and trustworthy, and that elected representatives must focus on the issues that actually shape people’s lives. He has lived in the Grange Park neighbourhood since 2015 and understands both the strengths and strains of life in Toronto’s core. 

“Politics should be straightforward and accountable, and people should be able to trust that their representatives mean what they say,” said Andrew Massey. “I’m running to focus on affordability and dignity. People in University—Rosedale deserve leadership that’s honest about the challenges we face, and serious about solutions.”

Andrew is a committed advocate for fairer voting, guaranteed liveable income, and youth employment opportunities. He’s also clear that tackling the “economic and political environments” Canadians live in must be part of any serious agenda, including addressing the high cost of living, aging infrastructure, and gaps in the social safety net.

Once the campaigns are launched by the prime minister, both candidates look forward to meeting residents, hearing concerns, and building practical, people-first solutions for their communities.

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For media inquiries or to arrange an interview: media@greenparty.ca